About this episode
Join us on Urban Valor for an exclusive interview with Lepcis Vasquez, a former sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, who shares her compelling and harrowing journey from 2016 to 2021. Lepcis opens up about her life, detailing her experiences with remarkable courage and honesty. Get an in depth look at the realities of military service, the personal battles faced both in and out of uniform, and the resilience required to make it through adversity. Lepcis discusses her early life in San Diego, California, where she grew up in what she describes as a privileged environment. Despite this, she joined the Marine Corps to support her family financially and to pursue higher education, a decision that came with its own set of challenges and expectations versus reality. She talks about the rigorous demands of boot camp, her initial experiences with firearms, and the stark contrast between her expectations of military service and the harsh realities she encountered. Lepcis's tumultuous relationship with a fellow Marine, which led to a forced engagement and a marriage marked by abuse and manipulation. She openly shares the struggles she faced in seeking safety and justice within the military system, detailing the systemic failures that put her life in danger. Lepcis's story is not just one of struggle but also of resilience and recovery. She discusses the lasting impact of her experiences on her mental health and her journey towards healing. Urban Valor is proud to bring to light Lepcis Vasquez's story, a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.